Blast Injuries: The impact of explosive weapons on children in conflict

More children are living in conflict – and are more at risk in conflict – than at any time since the Cold War. The leading cause of casualties to these children is from explosive weapons – rockets, mortars, grenades, mines and improvised explosive devices.

Blast Injuries looks at the extent of children’s exposure to explosive weapons in the world’s worst conflicts. It shows why children – in part, because of their smaller stature and physical make-up – are especially vulnerable to blast injuries. The report goes on to look at why so many children are at risk today.

The need to act is urgent. This report sets out what states need to do to prevent and mitigate the deadly impact of explosive weapons on children.